Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Michael Best
Not Peer Reviewed

King Lear (Modern, Extended Folio)

5.1
2845Enter, with drum and colors, Edmund [the Bastard], Regan, gentlemen, and soldiers.
Bastard
[To an officer] Know of the Duke if his last purpose hold,
Or whether since he is advised by aught
To change the course. He's full of alteration
2850And self-reproving. Bring his constant pleasure.
[Exit officer.]
Regan
Our sister's man is certainly miscarried.
Bastard
'Tis to be doubted, madam.
Regan
Now, sweet lord,
You know the goodness I intend upon you.
2855Tell me but truly--but then speak the truth--
Do you not love my sister?
Bastard
In honored love.
Regan
But have you never found my brother's way
To the forfended place?
Bastard
That thought abuses you.
I am doubtful that you have been conjunct and
Bosomed with her, as far as we call hers.
2860Bastard
No, by mine honor, madam.
Regan
I never shall endure her. Dear my lord,
Be not familiar with her.
Bastard
Fear not.--
She and the Duke her husband.
Enter, with drum and colors, Albany, Goneril, [and] soldiers.
2864.1Goneril
[Aside] I had rather
Lose the battle than that sister should loosen
Him and me.
2865Albany
Our very loving sister, well be-met.
Sir, this I heard: the King is come to his daughter
With others whom the rigor of our state
Forced to cry out. 2868.1Where I could not be honest,
I never yet was valiant. For this business,
It touches us as France invades our land,
Not bolds the king, with others, whom I fear
2868.5Most just and heavy causes make oppose.
Bastard
Sir, you speak nobly.
Regan
Why is this reasoned?
2870Goneril
Combine together 'gainst the enemy,
For these domestic and particular broils
Are not the question here.
Albany
Let's then determine with th'ensign of war
On our proceeding.
2874.1Bastard
I shall attend you presently at your tent.
[Exit the Bastard with his men.]
2875Regan
Sister, you'll go with us?
Goneril
No.
Regan
'Tis most convenient. Pray go with us.
Goneril
[Aside] Oh ho, I know the riddle.--I will go.
Exeunt both the armies.
2880Enter Edgar, [disguised, speaking to Albany as he is leaving].
Edgar
If ere your grace had speech with man so poor,
Hear me one word.
Albany
[To those leaving] I'll overtake you. [To Edgar] Speak.
Edgar
Before you fight the battle, ope this letter.
2885If you have victory, let the trumpet sound
For him that brought it. Wretched though I seem,
I can produce a champion that will prove
What is avouchèd there. If you miscarry,
Your business of the world hath so an end,
2890And machination ceases. Fortune loves you.
Albany
Stay till I have read the letter.
Edgar
I was forbid it.
When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,
And I'll appear again.
2895Albany
Why fare thee well, I will o'erlook thy paper.
Exit [Edgar].
Enter Edmund [the Bastard].
Bastard
The enemy's in view. Draw up your powers.
Here is the guess of their true strength and forces
By diligent discovery, but your haste
2900Is now urged on you.
Albany
We will greet the time.
Exit.
Bastard
To both these sisters have I sworn my love,
Each jealous of the other as the stung
Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take?
2905Both? One? Or neither? Neither can be enjoyed
If both remain alive. To take the widow
Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril;
And hardly shall I carry out my side,
Her husband being alive. Now then, we'll use
2910His countenance for the battle; which, being done,
Let her who would be rid of him devise
His speedy taking off. As for the mercy
Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia,
The battle done, and they within our power,
2915Shall never see his pardon; for my state
Stands on me to defend, not to debate.
Exit.